Lubiprostone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 7, 2024.

Applies to lubiprostone: oral capsule liquid filled.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine or if you become dehydrated. Getting up slowly may help. Also, lying down for a while may relieve dizziness or lightheadedness.

Lubiprostone may cause difficulty with breathing, nausea, or severe diarrhea. If your symptoms and condition do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Serious side effects of lubiprostone

Along with its needed effects, lubiprostone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lubiprostone:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking lubiprostone:

Symptoms of overdose

• dry heaves
• dry mouth
• feeling of warmth
• lack or loss of strength
• paleness of the skin
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• severe, unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight loss

Other side effects of lubiprostone

Some side effects of lubiprostone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lubiprostone: oral capsule.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 29%), diarrhea (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, abdominal distention, flatulence, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, dry mouth
• Frequency not reported: Intestinal functional disorder, constipation, eructation, fecal incontinence, defecation urgency, frequent bowel movements, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, hard feces, rectal hemorrhage, pollakiuria
• Postmarketing reports: Ischemic colitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope
• Frequency not reported: Dysgeusia, tremor, lethargy^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, hot flush
• Postmarketing reports: Tachycardia/increased heart rate, hypotension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis
• Frequency not reported: Cold sweat, erythema
• Postmarketing reports: Rash/urticaria^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, fatigue, chest discomfort/pain, peripheral edema
• Frequency not reported: Influenza, pain
• Postmarketing reports: Malaise, asthenia, swelling^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Pharyngolaryngeal pain, cough
• Postmarketing reports: Throat tightness^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasms
• Frequency not reported: Muscle cramps, joint swelling, myalgia, fibromyalgia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Increased ALT and AST^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Electrolyte imbalance, decreased appetite, decreased blood potassium, increased weight, anorexia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, depression^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity/allergic-type reactions^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?

Further information

Lubiprostone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer